AFP Operator - All Levels

Neutron
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

Afp Operator
Rocket Lab is building parts with the world's largest post‑style automated fiber placement machine (AFP) at our Space Structures Complex in Middle River. As an AFP Operator you’ll get to build some of the largest carbon fiber composite fuselage structures ever made using cutting‑edge technologies and space‑grade materials.

What you’ll get to do

Run the Rocket Lab Automated Fiber Placement machine to build very large carbon fiber structures for our Neutron Rocket

Work with Engineering and Programming teams on continuous improvement of our processes

Engage directly with a total preventive maintenance program to ensure all equipment stays in safe and efficient condition

Train in new processes and transition new components to AFP manufacturing

Assist in setting up and calibrating the AFP machine for optimal performance

Load and off‑load composite tooling from the AFP machine

Gain hands‑on experience in loading and unloading composite materials onto the AFP machine, ensuring proper alignment and placement for the lamination process.

Nice to have

Associate’s degree in a technical field

Experience operating an AFP Machine

Experience operating other robotic equipment

Experience in Aerospace

Certified in crane or forklift operation

Additional Requirements

Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on production floor

Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling

Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination

Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.

Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and variable environmental conditions

Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

Afp Operator I Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

Experience in Composites production and manufacturing.

Afp Operator II Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

2+ years of experience in Composites production and manufacturing.

Afp Operator III Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

5+ years of experience in Composites production and manufacturing.

Senior AFP Operator Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

8+ years of experience in Composites production and manufacturing.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$20 — $40 USD

Benefits

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year

11 paid holidays per year

Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts

Paid parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Discounted employee stock purchase program

Free snacks and drinks onsite

Equal Employment Opportunity
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply or interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

Eligibility for US Offices Only
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR.

Eligibility for New Zealand Offices Only
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, ITAR Regulations.

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